Pearls of Italy & Greece with the Corinth Canal

Your deluxe cruise begins in Athens, where you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to begin your journey of the Ionian Sea. Please book your flight to arrive into Athens prior to 05:00 PM. Docked: 22:00

It’s time to pass through the 19th century Corinth Canal, a narrow waterway that crosses the isthmus of Corinth in Greece. From the exterior decks, watch as the ship navigates the narrow strip of water bordered by soaring ochre-coloured cliffs. The small seaside town of Itea has beautiful coastal scenery and is close to the UNESCO World Heritage site of The Delphi Sanctuary. Delphi is home to the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and considered the centre of the world in Greek mythology. DiscoverMORE A guided tour of Delphi (extra expense, must be pre-booked) Your destination is the legendary site of Delphi, where the renowned oracle once spoke. Wander through the sacred grounds, marvelling at the grandeur of the Temple of Apollo, the heart of this spiritual haven. Step into the Delphi Museum, a treasure trove of antiquities that transport you back in time. Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours Docked: 14:00 - 20:00

Fiskardo is a delightful village on the northernmost part of the Ionian island of Kefalonia, Greece. It has a vibrant harbour encircled with cypress and olive trees, beautifully preserved Venetian architecture, and excellent local wines and seafood. DiscoverMORE Highlights of Cephalonia (extra expense) Your tour begins with anticipation as you head towards the magnificent Drogarati Cave. Marvel at the intricate formations of stalactites hanging like jagged curtains from the ceiling, while ancient stalagmites rise majestically from the rocky floor. Revel in the picturesque landscapes as you make your way to the renowned Melissani Lake. Glide on a small boat across the tranquil waters, marveling at the interplay of light and shadow. Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4.5 hours Offshore: 08:00 - 16:00

The southern Italian town of Gallipoli is in the province of Lecce, in the region of Apulia. The town is divided into two parts: the Borgo, which is the newer, mainland part of town, and the Old Town, situated on a limestone island and connected to the mainland via a 17th-century bridge. DiscoverMORE Walking tour of Gallipoli (extra expense) Begin your guided tour at the port, where the history of Gallipoli unfolds. Visit the impressive Cathedral covered in Baroque paintings. Delve into Gallipolis golden era, characterized by the immense wealth derived from olive oil production. Learn about the fascinating history of how this "liquid gold" became a symbol of prosperity. Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours Docked: 08:00 - 13:00

Overlooking the Ionian Sea on the east coast of Sicily, Giardini Naxos holds historical significance as it was the site of the first Greek colony in Sicily, established in 735 BC. Swim in its clear and glimmering waters or visit the nearby beautiful town of Taormina. Today choose between our Included Excursion, EmeraldACTIVE or DiscoverMORE option. Included Excursion Guided tour of Taormina Settle in for a comfortable ride through the heart of Giardini Naxos, leading you to the crown jewel of Sicily—Taormina. Admire the exterior of the Cathedral, explore the ancient ruins of the Greek Theatre with the majestic Mount Etna as a backdrop, and take in the striking views of Palazzo Corvaia and the Odeon. Enjoy a leisurely walk along Corso Umberto, the vibrant shopping street that captures the lively spirit of the town. Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Madonna della Rocca Begin a scenic walk that will lead you to the small sanctuary of Madonna della Rocca, situated 400 meters above sea level. Perched on Mount Tauro, near the ruins of the Saracen Castle, youll find a charming church built into the hillside, known as “Madonna della Rocca." This unique structure features part of its ceiling formed by the natural rock of the mountain. Adjacent to the sanctuary lies an abandoned monastery that once served as a place of penance for the Basilian monks. Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 3.5 hours DiscoverMORE The Godfather tour (extra expense) Embark on an unforgettable journey through the scenic landscapes and charming villages that immortalized Sicily in the legendary "Godfather" films. Venture inland to Savoca, visit the iconic "Bar Vitelli". Travel south to Fiumefreddo, home to the Castello degli Schiavi, a splendid 1700s mansion showcasing rural Sicilian Baroque architecture. Experience the warm welcome of Baron Platania as he opens the doors of his residence. Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 5 hours Offshore: 08:30 - 15:00

The allure of this Italian island paradise is timeless. Stroll the winding streets and dine al fresco under twinkling fairy lights — try the classic Caprese salad and Limoncello, a local lemon liqueur. Marvel at the towering cliffs and hidden sea caves, including the Blue Grotto, an illuminated sea cave. DiscoverMORE Capri from the sea (extra expense) After tendering ashore, hop aboard a traditional wooden boat to kick off your scenic island tour of Capri from the water. During your cruise, you’ll get a glimpse of the Villa of Tiberius, where the Emperor is believed to have ruled during the last decade of his reign. Youll also pass by the entrance to the Blue Grotto and explore the main beaches of Capri, including "Marina Piccola" and the "Bianca Grotto." Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours DiscoverMORE Cabriolet tour of Capri (extra expense) Hop into a local convertible taxi (Fiat Marea type) that will take you to the enchanting village of Anacapri. Choose to experience the breathtaking views from Mt. Solaro by taking a chairlift ride to the summit and back. Alternatively, you might prefer to follow your guide on a visit to Axel Munthe’s Villa. After some time to explore on your own, youll re-board the taxis and head to Capri town. Discover the charming boutiques, delightful cafés, and vibrant atmosphere that make Capri a paradise for those seeking elegance and relaxation. Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4.5 hours   EmeraldPLUS Local performance on board Duration: 1 hour Offshore: 09:00 - 21:00

Sorrento is a tempting destination on the Italian coastline, with exceptional sea views, mouthwatering cuisine, and bold Italian style. A romantic coastal haven, Sorrento has steep coastal cliffs studded with authentic Italian villas, world-class restaurants with sweeping views of the Bay of Naples, and fragrant lemon groves nestled beside tranquil wine bars. DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Pompeii (extra expense) Step back in time and explore the captivating ruins of Pompeii, a city frozen in history by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. This archaeological site reveals the resilience of an ancient Roman town, waiting to be rediscovered. After 45–60-minute drive, with glimpses of Mount Vesuvius along the way, arrive in Pompei., Embark on a guided walking tour through ancient streets, witnessing frescoes, mosaics, and mansions of the affluent. Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 5.3 hours   Offshore: 23:00 (day prior) - 14:00

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in Civitavecchia, where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your holiday. Please book your flight to depart out of Rome after 01:00 PM. Docked: 08:00 The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons, including changes to port timings and berth status. Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee that the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.